Linscott, Dow ordered held on bail in child abuse case

Jessica Linscott and Roland Dow, a Plaistow couple accused of abusing a 3-year-old boy, faced a judge in New Hampshire on Monday.

In separate video arraignments, charges were announced for both Linscott and Dow, who are accused of abusing Linscott's 3-year-old son, James.

The boy suffered seizures and severe bruising and burns over much of his body in November. Prosecutors said that Dow struck the boy hard enough to cause traumatic brain injury.

The couple dropped the boy off at the hospital and later told police the boy's wounds were self-inflicted.

Prosecutors said the couple then fled New Hampshire, traveling to Haverhill, Mass., Boston and New York City before taking a train to Orlando, Fla., where they were arrested last week.

Linscott, who is facing six counts of endangering a child, was ordered held on $100,000 bail. She cannot have contact with Dow or her son.

Linscott informed the judge that she will not be able to make bail and that she just wants a lawyer. She did not appear with a lawyer on Monday.

Dow, who is facing charges including first-degree assault, second-degree assault and five counts of endangering a child, was ordered held on $500,000 bail and ordered not to have contact with Linscott or the boy.

If Dow manages to make bail, he has been ordered to stay with his mother, Helen.

Prosecutors said that there's a strong chance Dow will face more charges.

Timeline: Plaistow man convicted of assaulting 3-year-old boy

Early in November 2012, the child was brought to Exeter Hospital with severe bruising and burns across his body. The couple claimed the boy had self-inflicted wounds.

When doctors saw the severity of the injuries, the boy was taken to Children's Hospital in Dartmouth, where he underwent surgery. Police said he now has vision impairment.

Police later said the little boy's condition was improving, but he has a long road of recovery.

Police said that Linscott had not called the hospital to check on the status of her ailing son since she disappeared with her boyfriend.

The couple then vanished, despite promising to turn themselves into police.

Police later searched their Main Street duplex in Plaistow but found no sign of the couple.

Dow's grandmother, who lives next door to the couple, defended her grandson, telling News 9 Monday night, "Oh, I know he wouldn't do it. He has a baby himself, and he wouldn't hurt her or anybody's baby. He would never do it. I'd be able to hear it next door if there was anything going on like that."

Arrest warrants were put out for Dow and Linscott days after they disappeared.

A wanted poster was released soon after.

In a news conference on Nov. 21, 2012, authorities announced upgraded charges of first- and second-degree assault against Dow.

Linscott, meanwhile, faces misdemeanor charges.

Rockingham County Attorney Jim Reams announced those charges.

As of Nov. 21, 2012, James's condition was described as "improving, but serious."

Helen Nicholson grew so frantic over the search for the missing couple accused of beating her grandson James, she went out searching herself on Nov. 25. Sightings were reported in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, but still, there was no sign of the couple.

Then on Nov. 28, 2012, Linscott and Dow were arrested at a theme park in Florida for the alleged abuse of Linscott's 3-year-old son, James.

Authorities released new photos of the couple Nov. 28. The two were arrested the same day at Universal Studios.

Linscott is taken into custody.

Dow is taken into custody.

Authorities in Florida released the mugshots shortly after the arrests. Here is Roland Dow's mugshot.

Here is Jessica Linscott's mugshot.

Authorities held a news conference in Plaistow on Nov. 29, 2012, the day after the arrests. Jim Reams said the couple may not return to New Hampshire from Florida until next week.

A truck is parked, blocking the entrance to the home of Jessica Linscott's parents on Nov. 29, 2012.

Linscott (seen here at Logan Airport) and Dow arrived back in New Hampshire on Dec. 1, 2012, after agreeing to waive extradition.